4 Best Hotels in Solomons, Annapolis and Southern Maryland

Built for a waterman in 1880, this blue wood-frame house sits in a residential neighborhood on well-tended grounds at the edge of Back Creek. You can lounge on the deck next to a beautiful perennial garden. Four rooms have water views, and one opens onto the garden. Breakfast is served in the dining room. The Lavender Cottage in the rear of the Inn costs a little more and boasts water views and a king-size bed, but it is a favorite for couples. The Back Creek Inn is in a residential neighborhood, but easily within walking distance to town. Kayaking and bikes are nearby for rental.

This relatively new inn and convention center has the standard amenities, including a heated indoor pool and a modern fitness center. The business crowd fits right in here, as the hotel's expansive lobby and corporate look signal the expectation of convention and meetings clientele. Large rooms have desks with ergonomically designed chairs and plenty of outlets There are six rooms with Jacuzzis available.

In this four-story waterfront hotel, every guest room has a water view (if you count the swimming pool); rooms look onto the cove, the open creek, or the courtyard. Whirlpools are available in some suites. Designed to accommodate conventions and meetings business, the hotel is often heavily booked, so try to reserve early.

On the Back Creek side of narrow Solomons Island this three-story, yellow frame house was built in 1906 by the foremost shipbuilder on the Chesapeake Bay. Six rooms look onto Solomons Harbor and two have garden views. All are furnished with period antiques and reproductions, and every room has an ornate armoire. Afternoon refreshments and breakfast are served on an enclosed porch.